Ezequiel 48
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Ezequiel 48
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS Judah to the north and Benjamin to the south are closest to the central sanctuary. The "prince" has the land to the east and west of it. These tribal divisions are unrelated to the divisions found in Joshua 12-23. The children of Jacob's wives' servants are farthest from the sanctuary. Ezekiel describes the gates of the city of Jerusalem and how they relate to specific tribes. John, in Revelation 21, draws on this imagery. See my latest exegetical verse-by-verse commentary on Revelation (2024). The imagery denotes a complete new covenant start. Jacob's descendants are to begin again!
Ezequiel 48:30-35
48:35 "The Lord is there" This reflects the covenant promise of YHWH's personal presence with His people. The same concept is expressed by the name "Emmanuel" (God is with us). The exile is over! YHWH has returned!